Publications by authors named "Serra P"

Background: Breast augmentation is the second most common aesthetic surgery worldwide. Capsular contracture, a prevalent complication which affects up to 30% of patients post-surgery, often leads to further necessary surgeries.

Objectives: This study investigates the effectiveness of total capsulectomy combined with Motiva Ergonomix® implant replacement in resolving capsular contracture and minimizing recurrence rates.

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Chronic antigenic stimulation can trigger the formation of interleukin 10 (IL-10)-producing T-regulatory type 1 (TR1) cells in vivo. We have recently shown that murine T-follicular helper (TFH) cells are precursors of TR1 cells and that the TFH-to-TR1 cell transdifferentiation process is characterized by the progressive loss and acquisition of opposing transcription factor gene expression programs that evolve through at least one transitional cell stage. Here, we use a broad range of bulk and single-cell transcriptional and epigenetic tools to investigate the epigenetic underpinnings of this process.

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Introduction: The pursuit of periorbital rejuvenation to counteract signs of aging is a focal point in cosmetic surgery, with eyelid surgery being a prominent choice among patients. Addressing inferior blepharoplasty, especially in cases involving chronic malar edema, malar mounds, and festoons, presents unique challenges. The terminology and classification of these conditions vary, hindering effective management.

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Objective: This study investigates the predictive role of indocyanine green angiography and thermography in assessing mastectomy skin flap necrosis in the intraoperative and postoperative setting.

Methods: A retrospective review of 45 patients who underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate prepectoral reconstruction was performed. Mastectomy flap viability was evaluated intraoperatively with indocyanine green angiography and thermography after placement of an implant sizer and again postoperatively at 24 hours.

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NSCLC is marked by low survival and resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy. The XPG endonuclease has emerged as a promising biomarker for predicting the prognosis of cisplatin-treated patients and its downregulation having been reported to increase cisplatin efficacy. This study presents an integrated strategy for identifying small molecule inhibitors of XPG to improve cisplatin therapy in NSCLC.

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Unlike conventional CD4+ T cells, which are phenotypically and functionally plastic, invariant NKT (iNKT) cells generally exist in a terminally differentiated state. Naïve CD4+ T cells can acquire alternative epigenetic states in response to different cues, but it remains unclear whether peripheral iNKT cells are epigenetically stable or malleable. Repetitive encounters of liver-resident iNKT cells (LiNKTs) with alpha-galactosylceramide (αGalCer)/CD1d-coated nanoparticles (NPs) can trigger their differentiation into a LiNKT cell subset expressing a T regulatory type 1 (TR1)-like (LiNKTR1) transcriptional signature.

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Objectives: The aim of this study of this study was to evaluate preoperative radiology and histopathology findings in cervical cancer lymphadenopathy detection, allowing targeted frozen section examination (FSE).

Design: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 203 early-stage cervical cancer patients between 2010 and 2019 in a tertiary centre.

Participants/materials, Setting, And Methods: All patients had histologically confirmed cervical cancer and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to intraoperative FSE.

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Soft tissue defects of the lower limbs pose significant challenges in reconstructive surgery, accounting for approximately 10% of all reconstructive free flaps performed. These reconstructions often encounter higher complication rates due to various factors such as inflammation, infection, impaired blood flow, and nerve injuries. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, reviewing literature from 2017 to 2024.

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Background: Assessing refractive errors under cycloplegia is recommended for paediatric patients; however, this may not always be feasible. In these situations, refraction has to rely on measurements made under active accommodation which may increase measurements variability and error. Therefore, evaluating the accuracy and precision of non-cycloplegic refraction and biometric measurements is clinically relevant.

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Oxidative stress, an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endogenous antioxidants, plays an important role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's. The human brain is vulnerable to oxidative stress because of the high rate of oxygen that it needs and the high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are substrates of lipid peroxidation. Natural antioxidants inhibit oxidation and reduce oxidative stress, preventing cancer, inflammation, and neurodegenerative disorders.

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Article Synopsis
  • The management of infertility in women with deep endometriosis (DE) is contentious, with insufficient evidence regarding the link between infertility and the severity of DE as categorized by the rASRM stages.* -
  • A systematic review encompassing 16 studies found that out of 947 infertile women who underwent surgery, 486 achieved pregnancy, indicating an average pregnancy rate of 51.3% and suggesting surgery may enhance reproductive outcomes, especially when coupled with assisted reproductive technology (ART).* -
  • However, due to the varied data and lack of clarity on surgical outcomes relative to the location of DE, stronger conclusions cannot be drawn, highlighting the need for further research to optimize surgical strategies in relation to ART treatments.*
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Introduction: This Special Report aims to highlight the importance of tailored therapies in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), avoiding prescribing generalized or unsuitable therapies based on oral contraceptive pills (OCPs).

Areas Covered: This article discusses the benefits and risks of OCP-based therapy, highlighting the possible undesirable effects, especially in those patients exhibiting risk factors as women with PCOS, and the importance of carefully evaluated tailored therapeutic approaches. Literature searches were performed with the use of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science between January and February 2024.

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  • The study evaluates ChatGPT's potential in providing accurate and inclusive information on HIV prevention through an assessment conducted by a diverse team of medical professionals and community experts.
  • Results showed that ChatGPT had high accuracy (median score of 5.5/6) and completeness (median score of 3/3), but inclusivity scores (median of 2/3) revealed some outdated terminology and underrepresentation of certain communities.
  • While ChatGPT performs well in delivering scientifically accurate information, it needs improvement in socio-political context and inclusivity to enhance health communication effectiveness.
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  • Salicylic acid (SA) hydroxylation is crucial for maintaining SA levels, aiding plant development and defense against pathogens, and is catalyzed by specific enzymes known as SA hydroxylases.
  • Researchers have identified a new SA hydroxylase in maize that converts SA into 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHBA) and has distinct kinetic properties from those in other plant species like Arabidopsis and rice.
  • A mutation in the S5H gene in maize demonstrates altered growth and increased resistance to a specific pathogen, highlighting the role of SA and related compounds in plant health and defense mechanisms.
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  • The article discusses neurotrophic keratopathy (NK), a condition caused by the loss of sensation in the cornea due to trigeminal nerve issues, and how surgical techniques have evolved to restore corneal sensitivity.
  • It highlights two main surgical approaches for corneal neurotization (CN): direct and indirect methods, which involve careful selection and preparation of donor nerves essential for successful outcomes.
  • Future advancements aim for less invasive techniques and the use of acellular nerve allografts, making CN a promising treatment option for NK, tailored to patient needs and surgical expertise.
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The importance of addressing the problem of biofilms in farm, wild, and companion animals lies in their pervasive impact on animal health and welfare. Biofilms, as resilient communities of microorganisms, pose a persistent challenge in causing infections and complicating treatment strategies. Recognizing and understanding the importance of mitigating biofilm formation is critical to ensuring the welfare of animals in a variety of settings, from farms to the wild and companion animals.

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: Scalp-associated cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) presents formidable treatment challenges, especially when it leads to full-thickness defects involving bone. Aggressive or recurring cases often demand a multidisciplinary approach. Leveraging our surgical experience and a literature review, we introduce a therapeutic algorithm to guide the selection of reconstruction methods, particularly for locally advanced lesions, furthermore showing the synergy between surgery and other therapies for comprehensive, multidisciplinary disease management.

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Background: The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and the waning of immunity raise concerns about vaccine effectiveness and protection against COVID-19. While antibody response has been shown to correlate with the risk of infection with the original variant and earlier variants of concern, the effectiveness of antibody-mediated protection against Omicron and the factors associated with protection remain uncertain.

Methods: We evaluated antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) antigens from Wuhan and variants of concern by Luminex and their role in preventing breakthrough infections 1 year after a third dose of mRNA vaccination, in a cohort of health care workers followed since the pandemic onset in Spain (N = 393).

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Until now, research has been performed mainly in men, with a low recruitment of women; consequentially, biological, physiological, and physio-pathological mechanisms are less understood in women. Obviously, without data obtained on women, it is impossible to apply the results of research appropriately to women. This issue also applies to medical devices (MDs), and numerous problems linked to scarce pre-market research and clinical trials on MDs were evidenced after their introduction to the market.

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The consumption of fresh water has generated additional problems in certain territories, along with the consequences of global warming. This has meant that in the most vulnerable areas, such as the Balearic archipelago in the Mediterranean, alternative water supply systems have been established: desalination plants. However, the ecological impact of these infrastructures is great, mainly affecting aquatic ecosystems.

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Purpose: This study aims to investigate the influence of anterior chamber depth (ACD) and vault on the anterior chamber angle (ACA) morphology in myopic individuals implanted with posterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses.

Methods: This retrospective case series involved 231 eyes receiving a 13.2-mm implantable collamer lens (ICL).

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Background: Several studies show how submuscular breast reconstruction is linked to animation deformity, shoulder dysfunction, and increased postoperative chest pain, when compared to prepectoral breast reconstruction. In solving all these life-impairing side effects, prepectoral implant pocket conversion has shown encouraging results.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to propose a refinement of the prepectoral implant pocket conversion applied to previously irradiated patients.

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Modifications in DNA repair pathways are recognized as prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Overexpression of ERCC1 correlates with poorer prognosis and response to platinum-based chemotherapy. As a result, there is a pressing need to discover new inhibitors of the ERCC1-XPF complex that can potentiate the efficacy of cisplatin in NSCLC.

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Background: Ipilimumab plus nivolumab (COMBO) is the standard treatment in asymptomatic patients with melanoma brain metastases (MBM). We report a retrospective study aiming to assess the outcome of patients with MBM treated with COMBO outside clinical trials.

Methods: Consecutive patients treated with COMBO have been included.

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Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) affects approximately 20% of women after breast cancer therapy. Advances in treatment have increased the life expectancy; thus, the prevalence of BCRL will continue to rise with the number of cancer survivors, hence the need to develop strategies to prevent this condition. We provide a systematic review of the literature on the primary prevention of BCRL by prophylactic lymphatic surgery (PLS).

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